Verification of cleaning processes with electronically readable coded coupon

ABSTRACT

A soil-based coupon having an electronically readable verification code printed thereon is used for verification of soil removal by a cleaning process. The coupon includes a soil overlay covering the verification code. The verification code is at least partially revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process. If the data encoded in the verification code can be correctly decoded after completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning process can be verified. The soil overlay can be designed to match the application. The coupons may be used in a cleaning process verification procedure in which one or more computing devices analyze images of the verification codes to determine whether or not cleaning processes can be verified.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/599,033, filed Oct. 10, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/749,453, titled, “VERIFICATION OFCLEANING PROCESSES WITH ELECTRONICALLY READABLE CODED COUPON,” filedOct. 23, 2018, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Automated cleaning machines are used in restaurants, healthcarefacilities, and other locations to clean, disinfect, and/or sanitizevarious articles. In a restaurant or food processing facility, automatedcleaning machines (e.g., dishmachines) may be used to clean foodpreparation and eating articles, such as dishware, glassware, pots,pans, utensils, food processing equipment, and other items. Inhealthcare facilities, for example, automated washer disinfectors may beused to clean and sterilize medical/surgical instrumentation and othermedical items. In general, articles to be cleaned are placed on a rackand provided to a wash chamber of the automated cleaning machine. In thechamber, one or more cleaning products and/or rinse agents are appliedto the articles during a cleaning process. The cleaning process mayinclude one or more wash phases and one or more rinse phases. At the endof the cleaning process, the rack is removed from the wash chamber.Water pressure, water quality, concentration of the chemical cleaningagents, temperature, cycle duration and other factors may impact theefficacy of a cleaning process.

SUMMARY

In one example, the disclosure is related to a verification couponcomprising a substrate including at least one verification area; anelectronically readable verification code including encoded verificationdata printed within the verification area; and a soil overlay coveringthe verification code, the soil overlay removable by a cleaning processwithin an automated cleaning machine, and wherein the verification codeis at least partially revealed by removal of all or part of the soiloverlay during the cleaning process.

In some examples, the cleaning process may be verified if the encodedverification data can be correctly decoded after completion of thecleaning process. The soil overlay may include one of a food-based soilor a medical soil. The electronically readable code may include at leastone of a Quick Response Code (QR Code), a Data Matrix or othertwo-dimensional barcode, a Universal Product Code (UPC), anInternational or European Article Number (EAN), an InternationalStandard Book Number (ISBN), a Shipping Container Code (SCC), a Code-128barcode, and a Code-39 barcode. The verification coupon may be mountedon a wall inside a wash chamber of the automated cleaning machine duringthe cleaning process, or positioned on a rack that is placed inside thewash chamber during the cleaning process.

The substrate may further include a reference area, and the verificationcoupon may further comprise an electronically readable reference codeincluding encoded reference data printed within the reference area,wherein the encoded reference data matches the encoded verificationdata; and wherein the cleaning process is verified if data decoded froman image of the verification code after completion of the cleaningprocess matches data decoded from an image of the reference code.

The cleaning process may be verified if data decoded from the image ofthe verification code after completion of the cleaning process may bereconstructed to match data decoded from an image of the reference codewithin a specified tolerance.

In another example, the disclosure is directed to a verification systemcomprising a plurality of verification coupons, each verification couponincluding a substrate defining at least one verification area and havingan electronically readable verification code printed within theverification area, each verification coupon further including a soiloverlay covering the verification code, and wherein verification code isat least partially exposed by removal of all or part of the soil overlayduring a cleaning process of an automated cleaning machine; and at leastone processor configured to analyze an image of the verification area ofat least one of the plurality of verification coupons after completionof the cleaning process, decode the verification code from the image ofthe verification area, and to generate, for display on a user interfaceof a user computing device, a notification indicating whether or not thecleaning process has been verified based on the analysis.

The automated cleaning machine may include a dishwasher,washer/decontaminator, a steam sterilizer, an autoclave, an ultrasonicwasher, a tunnel washer, or a cart washer. The articles to be cleanedmay include food processing, eating, or preparation articles, a surgicalinstrument or a medical device. The soil overlay may include at leastone of a food-based soil, an organic soil, or an inorganic soil.

The system may further include a server computing device remotelylocated from the user computing device, and wherein the server computingdevice includes the at least one processor. The user computing devicemay include the at least one processor.

In another example, the disclosure is directed to a method comprisingrunning a cleaning process in an automated cleaning machine with averification coupon present in a wash chamber of the automated cleaningmachine, the verification coupon including a verification area andhaving an electronically readable verification code printed within averification area and a soil overlay covering the verification code, andat least a portion of the verification code is revealed by removal ofall or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process; capturing adigital image of the verification area after completion of the cleaningprocess; analyzing the image of the verification area to decode theportion of the verification code revealed by removal of all or part ofthe soil overlay during the cleaning process; and generating, fordisplay on a user interface of a user computing device, a notificationindicating whether or not the cleaning process has been verified basedon the analysis.

The method may further include verifying the cleaning process if datadecoded from the portion of the verification code revealed by removal ofall or part of the soil overlay matches data decoded from a referencecode. The method may further include generating a notificationindicating that the cleaning process passed the verification procedureif data decoded from the portion of the verification code revealed byremoval of all or part of the soil overlay matches data decoded from areference code. The method may further include generating a notificationindicating that the cleaning process failed the verification procedureif data decoded from the portion of the verification code revealed byremoval of all or part of the soil overlay does not match data decodedfrom a reference code.

Analyzing the image of the verification area may further includeapplying a first level of error correction to data decoded from theportion of the verification code revealed by removal of all or part ofthe soil overlay; and verifying the cleaning process if data decodedfrom the portion of the verification code revealed by removal of all orpart of the soil overlay matches data decoded from a reference code whenthe first level of error correction is applied.

The method may further include generating a notification, for display ona user computing device, indicating a first failure level for thecleaning process if the data decoded from the portion of theverification code revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlaydoes not match data decoded from a reference code when the first levelof error correction is applied. The notification may include possiblereasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlay or corrective actionthat may be taken to address the incomplete removal of the soil overlay.The possible reasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlay mayinclude at least one of a mechanical failure, a chemistry failure, or auser error.

The method may further include analyzing the image of the verificationarea to decode the portion of the verification code revealed by removalof all or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process andobtain therefrom a serial number uniquely identifying the verificationcoupon; and determining whether the uniquely identified verificationcoupon has been used to verify a previous cleaning process based on theserial number.

The method may further include generating, for display on a usercomputing device, generating, for display on a user interface of theuser computing device, a notification indicating that the uniquelyidentified verification coupon has been used to verify the previouscleaning process if the serial number is associated with the previouscleaning process.

The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example electronically readable cleaning processverification coupon in accordance with the present disclosure having anelectronically readable code (a QR code) printed thereon, and FIG. 1Bshows the QR code covered with a representative tenacious soil.

FIG. 2A shows another example electronically readable cleaning processverification coupon in accordance with the present disclosure having anelectronically readable code (a barcode or UPC) printed thereon, andFIG. 2B shows the barcode covered with a representative tenacious soil.

FIG. 3 shows an example automated cleaning machine in which one or moreelectronically readable cleaning process verification coupons may beused to verify a cleaning process in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a block diagram and a front view, respectively, ofan example computing device configured to verify a cleaning processusing an electronically readable cleaning process verification coupon inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process by which acleaning process may be verified using an electronically readablecleaning process verification coupon in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process by which acomputing device may verify a cleaning process using an electronicallyreadable cleaning process verification coupon in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing environment that verifiescleaning processes using electronically readable cleaning processverification coupons in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are photographs showing verification coupons 1-30 havingdifferent experimental soil patterns partially covering theelectronically readable codes (QR codes and barcodes, respectively)printed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, a cleaning processverification coupon having an electronically readable verification codeprinted thereon is used for verification of a cleaning process. A soiloverlay covers the electronically readable verification code. Theverification coupon is subjected to a cleaning process of an automatedcleaning machine. At least part of the verification code is revealed byremoval of all or part of the soil overlay during the cleaning process.If the data encoded in the verification code can be accurately readafter completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning process can beverified, and the cleaning process passes the verification procedure. Ifthe verification code can not be accurately read after completion of thecleaning process, the cleaning process fails the verification procedure.In some examples, the cleaning process verification procedure may beperformed on a periodic basis in accordance with a cleaning processverification plan established by a business entity. Verification of thecleaning process can help to ensure proper cleaning, disinfection and/orsterilization of articles to be cleaned.

Each cleaning process verification coupon includes a substrate having anelectronically readable verification code printed thereon in averification area of the substrate. The electronically readableverification code (or simply, “verification code”) is covered by a soiloverlay. Once subjected to the cleaning process of the automatedcleaning machine, if the soil overlay is adequately removed, thecleaning process is verified (e.g., the cleaning process receives a“Pass” score). If the verification code cannot be accurately readfollowing completion of the automated cleaning process, the cleaningprocess cannot be verified (e.g., the cleaning process receives a “Fail”score).

In other examples, the cleaning process may be quantified in terms ofthe relative amount of soil removed or remaining as determined by thedata read from the electronically readable verification code.

The soil overlay may be designed to match the soil(s) typicallyencountered for the application. In a healthcare application, forexample, the soil overlay may include any type of medical soil(s) (thosetypically found or representative of those encountered in a medicalenvironment), which may further include organic soils such as protein,lipids, carbohydrates, bone chips, etc., and/or inorganic soils such assaline, simethicone, bone cement, calcium and other minerals, etc. In arestaurant or food processing application, the soil(s) may include anytype of food-based soil(s) such as fats and oils, proteins,carbohydrates, dyes, minerals, starches, coffee and tea stains, etc.Other possible soil overlays for these and other applications will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the disclosure isnot limited in this respect.

The electronically readable code may be any machine-readablerepresentation of data. For example, the electronically readable codemay take the form of, but is not limited to, a Quick Response Code (QRCode), a Data Matrix or other two-dimensional barcode, a UniversalProduct Code (UPC), an International or European Article Number (EAN),an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a Shipping Container Code(SCC), a Code-128 barcode, a Code-39 barcode, or any otherelectronically readable code or indicia.

The verification coupon also includes a reference area having anelectronically readable reference code (or simply, “reference code”)printed within the reference area. The reference code is not covered bya soil overlay. The reference code is identical to (e.g., contains thesame data as) the verification code. The reference code allows for acomparison (validation) of the data obtained by scanning theverification code or portion of the code exposed by removal of the soiloverlay and the data that should be received if the soil overlay iscompletely or adequately removed. Alternatively or in addition, acomparison of the data obtained from reading the verification code aftercompletion of the cleaning process with the data obtained from readingthe reference code may be correlated to an amount or percentage of soilremoved or remaining.

The cleaning process verification coupon may be placed at anyappropriate location or orientation within the washing environment ofthe cleaning machine so as to experience a representative cleaningprocess within the machine. For example, the verification coupon may bepositioned where it will be exposed to the same cleaning processexperience as articles to be cleaned would experience. If theverification coupon is run through the cleaning process during the samecleaning cycle as articles to be cleaned, the verification coupon may bepositioned where it will not block or inhibit flow of cleaning solution,water, steam, air, heat, or other cleaning component circulatedthroughout the wash chamber, nor inhibit operation of the cleaningmachine.

The data codified or encoded in the electronically readable verificationcode (and thus also in the reference code) may include, for example,soil type, production date, coupon serial number, use-by date, lotnumbers, files, maps, Uniform Resource Locator(s) (URLs), image files,or any other information or data that may be relevant or helpful withrespect to the cleaning verification procedure.

During a verification procedure, a verification coupon, including thesoil overlay, is placed inside the wash chamber of a cleaning machine,such as on or in a rack, on or in an article to be cleaned, mounted to asidewall within the cleaning machine, etc., and subjected to thecleaning process within the cleaning machine. The verification coupon iscleaned by the combination of the chemistry (active cleaningingredients) in the cleaning solution and any mechanical action (such asimpingement onto or flow of the cleaning solution over the verificationcoupon) taking place within the cleaning machine. Other factors that mayaffect the efficacy of the cleaning process include the duration of thecleaning process, including the relative duration of each step or cyclewithin the overall cleaning process; water and/or air temperature(s)throughout the cleaning process; adherence to defined proceduresconcerning operation of the cleaning machine; proper mechanicaloperation of the cleaning machine; etc.

After completion of the cleaning process, the verification coupon isremoved from the wash chamber of the cleaning machine. Removal of all orpart of the soil overlay reveals at least a portion of the verificationcode printed onto the substrate of the verification coupon within theverification area.

In some examples, to verify efficacy of the cleaning process, the soiloverlay should be adequately removed after completion of the cleaningprocess. To determine whether or not the soil overlay was adequatelyremoved, a computing device or code reader scans the verification areaof the verification coupon after completion of the cleaning process. Atleast a portion of the verification code will be revealed by removal ofall or part of the soil overlay as a result of the cleaning process. Insome examples, if the data encoded in the verification code is can beaccurately read or decoded (e.g., the data obtained from theverification code is successfully read by the reading device as comparedto the data obtained from the reference code) the washing process may beverified. The cleaning process may receive a “Pass” score for theverification procedure). If the verification code is not readable, thewashing process cannot be verified, and the cleaning process may receivea “Fail” score for the verification procedure).

In some examples, the data encoded in the electronically readableverification code may be partially or incompletely read by the codereader due to residue from the soil overlay that was not completelyremoved during the cleaning process, or the code may be unreadable. Theamount and content of the data accurately obtained from a verificationcode may indicate how much of the soil overlay was removed duringcleaning, indicate how much of the soil overlay remained after cleaning,identify possible reasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlay(i.e., possible causes of the failure to adequately remove the soiloverlay, such as a mechanical related failure or a chemistry relatedfailure), and/or identify corrective action that may be taken to addressthe incomplete removal of the soil overlay. The amount and content ofthe data accurately obtained from a verification code may further becorrelated to a cleaning score. The cleaning score may be indicative ofhow much soil was removed or remains after completion of the cleaningprocess, possible reasons for the incomplete soil removal, and/orcorrective action that may be taken to address the incomplete removal ofthe soil overlay.

FIG. 1A shows an example electronically readable cleaning processverification coupon 100 having an electronically readable verificationcode (a QR code in this example) 104 printed thereon. FIG. 1B showsverification coupon 100 with a representative soil overlay 116 thatcovers verification code 104. Verification coupon 100 includes asubstrate 110 having a verification area 102 and a reference area 106.Verification code 104 is located within verification area 102. Soiloverlay is also located within the verification area and coversverification code 104. An electronically readable reference code 108 islocated within reference area 106. Verification coupon 100 also includesan optional “Pass” text indicia next to reference area 106. Thiscommunicates to a user that verification code 106 is the code to readfor purposes of comparison. A writable area 114 allows a user to addidentification information or other notes to the coupon. Theidentification information may include, for example, the date and timeof the cleaning cycle, identification of the cleaning machine,identification of the person running the cleaning cycle and/or theverification procedure, a “pass” or “fail” indication, and/or otherinformation relevant to the cleaning process verification procedure. Theverification coupon 100 may further include a printed serial numberuniquely identifying the particular coupon and visually readable by ahuman being, or electronically readable by a computing device. Inaddition, or alternatively, the unique serial number may be encoded inthe verification and references codes 104 and 108.

In this example, verification code 104 and reference code 108 areidentical in the sense that they include the same electronicallyreadable printed pattern and thus contain the same data encoded therein.Verification code 104 is initially under the soil overlay 116 beforebeing subjected to a cleaning process and may therefore be considered a“challenge code”, in that the readability of the verification code 104after completion of the cleaning process is an indication of theefficacy of the cleaning process when subjected to the challenge ofremoving the soil overlay. Reference code 108 may considered a“validation code” in that the data obtained from reading theverification code 104 after completion of the cleaning process may becompared to the data read from reference code 108 to determine theamount and content of data accurately obtained from verification code104 and thus the completeness (or incompleteness) of removal of the soiloverlay by the cleaning process.

FIG. 2A shows another example electronically readable cleaning processverification coupon 120 having an electronically readable verificationcode (in this example a UPC or barcode) 124 printed thereon. FIG. 2Bshows verification coupon 120 having a representative soil overlay 140that covers verification code 124. Verification coupon 120 includes asubstrate 130 having a verification area 122 and a reference area 126.Verification code 124 is located within verification area 122. Soiloverlay 140 is located within verification area 122 and oververification code 124. Reference code 128 is located within referencearea 126. Verification coupon 120 also includes a “Pass” text indication132 next to second verification area 126. A writable area 134 allows auser to add identification information or other notes to the coupon asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It shall be understood that the electronically readable verificationand/or reference code(s) used with the cleaning verification techniquesdescribed herein may include any machine-readable representation of dataor indicia, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Forexample, the electronically readable code(s) may take the form of, butare not limited to, a Quick Response Code (QR Code), a Data Matrix orother two-dimensional barcode, a Universal Product Code (UPC), anInternational or European Article Number (EAN), an InternationalStandard Book Number (ISBN), a Shipping Container Code (SCC), a Code-128barcode, a Code-39 barcode, or any other electronically readable code orindicia.

Substrate 110/130 may include a temperature stable material onto whichelectronically readable verification and reference codes and otherindicia may be printed and onto which the soil overlay may be printed ortransferred. Examples of suitable substrate materials include, but arenot limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinylchloride (vinyl), high density polyethylene (HDPE), synthetic forms ofpaper, plastics, ceramics, and metals.

In some examples, the data encoded in the verification code (and thereference code) includes a unique coupon identifier, such as serialnumber. Once a verification coupon is read, the serial number may beuploaded from a local computing device, such as the device used to scanthe verification and/or reference code(s), to a remote computing device,such as a local or remote computing device or a cloud-based servercomputer. Upon receiving the verification coupon serial number, theremote computing device may analyze the serial number to determinewhether the specific coupon has been used to verify a previous cleaningprocess. This may help to prevent fraudulent re-use of a verificationcoupon in order to falsify cleaning process verification results.

FIG. 3 shows an example automated cleaning machine 150 in which one ormore electronically readable cleaning process verification coupons 100may be used to verify a cleaning process in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In this example, cleaning machine 150 is a dishmachine forcleaning eating and/or food preparation articles including one or moreof pots and pans, dishware, glassware, eating and cooking utensils, etc.It shall be understood, however, that cleaning machine 150 may includeany other type of cleaning machine such as clothes or textile washingmachines, medical instrument reprocessors, automated washerdisinfectors, autoclaves, sterilizers, or any other type of cleaningmachine, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Cleaning machine 150 includes an enclosure 158 defining one or more washchamber(s) 152 and having one or more door(s) 160 that permit entryand/or exit into wash chamber 152. One or more removable rack(s) 154 aresized to fit inside wash chamber 152. Each rack 154 may be configured toreceive articles to be cleaned directly thereon, or they may beconfigured to receive one or more trays or holders into which articlesto be cleaned are held during the cleaning process. The racks 154 may begeneral or special-purpose racks, and may be configured to hold largeand/or small items, food processing/preparation equipment such as pots,pans, cooking utensils, etc., and/or glassware, dishes and other eatingutensils, etc. In a hospital or healthcare application, the racks may beconfigured to hold instrument trays, hardgoods, medical devices, tubing,masks, basins, bowls, bed pans, or other medical items. It shall beunderstood that the configuration of racks 154, and the description ofthe items that may be placed on or in racks 154, as shown and describedwith respect to FIG. 1 and throughout this specification, are forexample purposes only, and that the disclosure is not limited in thisrespect.

A typical cleaning machine such as cleaning machine 150 operates byspraying one or more cleaning solution(s) 164 (a mixture of water andone or more chemical cleaning products) into wash chamber 152 and thusonto the articles to be cleaned. The cleaning solution(s) are pumped toone or more spray arms 162, which spray the cleaning solution(s) 164into wash chamber 152 at the appropriate times. Cleaning machine 150 isprovided with a source of fresh water and, depending upon theapplication, may also include one or more sumps to hold used wash and/orrinse solution to be reused in the next cleaning cycle. Cleaning machine150 may also include or be provided with a chemical product dispenserthat automatically dispenses the appropriate chemical product(s) at theappropriate time(s) during the cleaning process, mixes them with thediluent, and pumps the resulting cleaning solution(s) 164 into the washchamber 152. Depending upon the machine, the articles to be cleaned, theamount of soil on the articles to be cleaned, and other factors, one ormore wash cycles may be interspersed with one or more rinse and/orsanitization cycles to form one complete cleaning process of cleaningmachine 150.

Automated cleaning machine 150 further includes a controller 170.Controller 170 includes one or more processor(s) that monitor andcontrol various parameters of the cleaning machine 150 such as cycletime(s) and length(s), cleaning solution concentrations, timing for andamounts of chemical product dispensed, water temperature(s), heated airtemperature(s), wash chamber temperature(s), humidity, application ofwater and chemical products into the wash chamber, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3 , one or more cleaning process verificationcoupon(s), such as verification coupon(s) 100A-100D, may be placed invarious locations within the wash chamber 152 or on or in rack(s) 154during a cleaning process. In this example, verification coupons100A-100C are located in or on rack 154. Coupon 100D is located in amounting bracket or holder 166 affixed to a sidewall 157 of wash chamber152. Placing multiple verification coupons, such as coupons 100A-100D,in different areas of the wash chamber 152 as shown in FIG. 3 may helpto verify a complete and effective cleaning process throughout theentire wash chamber 152. In other examples, a single verification coupon100 may be used for each a cleaning cycle. The number of verificationcoupons used per cleaning cycle may depend upon the type of articles tobe cleaned, the type of cleaning machine, the type(s) of soil to beremoved, and/or the cleaning process and verification procedures definedby the enterprise or business entity, among other things. It shall beunderstood, therefore, that the number of verification coupons used percleaning cycle is not limited in this respect.

The walls 155, 157 of wash chamber 152 and/or racks 154 may furtherinclude a verification coupon mounting bracket, holder, clip, or otherfastener, such as coupon holder 166, configured to support averification coupon during a cleaning process. In some examples, theholder, clip or other fastener may be manually attached to or placed ina rack 154 or one or more walls of the wash chamber 152 prior to thestart of a cleaning process. In other examples, the holder, clip orfastener may be molded directly into one or more walls of the washchamber 152, or molded directly onto a rack 154. In that example, theverification coupon would be placed into the molded holder prior to thestart of the cleaning process. In other examples, the fastener or holdermay include a screw, a push-in plastic rod, a circular protrusion thatwould fit into a hole in a rack or tray, a rib that would snap in to amatching slot feature on a rack or tray, or by using a clip modifiedeither during molding of the rack or the rack may need to beretrofitted. It shall be understood that the coupon holder may be any ofsuitable type, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

In some examples, the coupon holder is designed to simulate a realisticchallenge to the cleaning process of the types of articles to becleaned. For example, items such as certain types of cooking equipment,utensils, medical devices or surgical instrumentation may include harderto reach areas that are more difficult to thoroughly clean during acleaning process. To that end, the coupon holder may include wallshaving one or more screens, apertures, or slots that at least partiallyobscure the soil overlay portion of a verification coupon to provide amore realistic challenge to the cleaning process.

Verification coupons 100 may be placed at any location within the washchamber 152, and may be located in position(s) where they do notinterfere with the spray of the cleaning solution(s) and/or mechanicaloperation of cleaning machine 150. Verification coupons 100 may furtherbe of an appropriate size so as not block spray of the cleaning solutionduring the cleaning process or interfere with mechanical operation ofcleaning machine 150.

In some examples, verification coupons 100 are rectangular in shape andhave overall dimensions (length and width) of sufficient size toaccommodate suitably sized electronically readable verification andreference codes. That is, the electronically readable codes should belarge enough to be recognized and read by the code reader applicationunder typical cleaning process verification conditions. For example, asmart phone QR code reader application may have a relationship betweenthe scan distance and the minimum QR code size of approximately 10:1.Thus, if a verification coupon will typically be scanned using a QR codereader on a smart phone at a scanning distance between 6 and 12 inches,the QR codes (verification and reference codes) may be at leastapproximately 0.6 inches to 1.2 inches square. The overall dimensions ofthe verification coupon would then be sized to accommodate the minimumcode size(s). It shall be understood that numeric values for thedimensions of the electronically readable code(s) given herein are forexample purposes only, that the minimum dimensions of the electronicallyreadable codes may change depending upon the resolution of the codereader and its corresponding ability to accurately decode the data froman electronically readable code, and that the disclosure is not limitedin this respect.

Once the cleaning process is complete, verification coupon(s) 100 isremoved from the cleaning machine 150. A computing device having a codereader application is used to scan and read the verification code (e.g.,code 104). Computing device also scans and reads the reference code(e.g., code 106). In some examples, computing device compares the dataobtained from the verification code with the data obtained from thereference code. If the data obtained from the verification code is thesame as the data obtained from the reference code, this means that thesoil overly was removed from the verification coupon, and the cleaningprocess may be verified (e.g., the cleaning cycle will receive a“Pass”). In some examples, the computing device may generate anotification for display that the cleaning process was verified and/orthat the cleaning process “passed” the verification procedure. If thedata decoded from the verification code is not the same as the data fromthe reference code, this means that the soil overlay was not entirely(or adequately) removed from the verification coupon, and the cleaningprocess cannot be verified as passing the cleaning verificationprocedure (e.g., the cleaning cycle will receive a “Fail”). In someexamples, the computing device may generate a notification for displaythat the cleaning cycle was not verified and/or that the cleaning cycle“failed” the verification procedure.

Certain electronically readable codes, (QR codes and barcodes, forexample) may include built-in error correction. In some examples, theerror correction level of the electronically readable verification andreference codes may be correlated to a level of “clean”; i.e., apredefined amount of soil overlay remaining after the cleaning cycle inorder for the cleaning cycle to pass the cleaning verificationprocedure. In other examples, the electronically readable verificationand reference codes may include multiple levels of error correction.Each level of error correction may be correlated to a level of clean;i.e., the lowest level of error correction (the least amount of errorcorrection) may correlated to “clean” and successively higher levels oferror correction (relatively more error correction) correlated tosuccessively less “clean” or one or more levels of “fail”. The amount ofsoil overlay removed/remaining may be determined by a comparison of thedata obtained from the cleaned verification code and the data obtainedfrom the reference code, and determining which of the multiple levels oferror correction is required for the verification code data to match thereference code data. This level of error correction may be correlated toa level of “clean”.

In some examples, dishmachine 150 uses dish racks with electronicallyreadable identifiers to uniquely identify each rack and to identify thetypes of article(s) in the rack. In the example of FIG. 3 , rack 154includes an RFID tag 180. The rack identification data stored in RFIDtag 180 includes a rack type and a unique rack identifier. The rack typecorresponds to the type of articles washed on or in the rack. Forexample, the rack type may be identified as a pot/pan rack, a glasswarerack, a dishware rack, a utensil rack, etc. The rack identifier isuniquely associated with an individual rack. The rack identifier enablesindividual tracking of each cleaning cycle with a uniquely identifiedrack and associated rack type, along with a date and time stamp. Examplerack identification systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,437,213and 6,463,940, which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Dishmachine controller 170 includes a tag reader configured to read theRFID tag 180 and obtain the rack identification data. Dishmachinecontroller 170 (or other computing device) may associate the unique rackidentifier with the current cleaning process. This also results inidentifying the type of articles that were cleaned during the currentcleaning cycle, and linking the individual rack and article type withany other data associated with the current cleaning cycle (e.g., cycletype, water volumes and temperatures, amounts/volumes/weights ofchemical product dispensed, cycle times, etc.).

Dishmachine controller 170 further determines the rack type, and thusidentifies the type of articles being washed during the current cleaningprocess. The dishmachine controller 170 may adjust the cleaning processto best address the type(s) of articles being cleaned and the type(s) ofsoils typically encountered when cleaning those articles. For example,as discussed above, the different types articles that are cleaned in adishmachine may experience different types of soils. For example, potsand pans may be soiled with large amounts of starch, sugar, protein, andfatty soils. In contrast, glasses are not typically heavily soiled buthave hard to remove soils like lipstick, coffee and tea stains. Oncedishmachine controller 170 identifies the type of article in the rack,it can modify the dishmachine cycle in a manner that selects optimalwash/rinse cycles, times, temperatures, and chemical compositions neededto clean the articles while minimizing use of water, energy, or chemicalcleaning product. For example, running a wash cycle with chemicalcompositions that are effective at cleaning pots and pans would likelybe too much chemistry for a rack of glasses. Rack identification allowsdishmachine controller 170 to use the correct type and concentration ofchemistry for the article to be cleaned. And by not overusing chemistry,the dishmachine can use less chemistry overall while still achieving theexpected cleaning performance results.

These RFID tags, such as tag 154, may be integrated into the dishmachinerack in many ways. They may be physically attached to the rack by use ofa fastener, may be molded directly into the rack, or may be attached tothe rack with a molded or machined clip or bracket. They may be locatedat any location on the rack, but preferably will be located along theoutside edge of the rack, so they do not interfere with the spray ofwater that cleans the dishes. The mounting feature may allow the RFIDtag to be attached to both new and pre-existing racks. One method ofdoing this is with an injection molded bracket that is designed to holdthe RFID tag in a specific position on the rack, and can be insertedinto many types of racks. In some examples, the tag is placed in aconsistent location on each rack, which can be read through an antennalocated mounted in, on or near floor 155 or sidewall 157 of thedishmachine. In other examples, the tag reader may be located outside ofthe dishmachine or on an outside wall of the dishmachine.

Identification of individual racks and rack types, and the cleaningprocess data that may also be obtained by the dishmachine, may furtherbe analyzed to identify the number and type of wash processes overspecified time periods, view historical data on problems encounteredduring the wash process, view data regarding the general operation ofthe machine (e.g., how many cycles per day/week/month, how often it isdrained, etc.), and the type of ware washed during particular times anddays of the week, in addition to cycle times, temperatures, dispensedchemical amounts, and can help create reports to improve management of adish washing facility.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a block diagram and a front view, respectively, ofan example computing device 200 configured to verify a cleaning processusing an electronically readable cleaning process verification coupon inaccordance with the present disclosure. Computing device 200 mayinclude, for example, a mobile computing device, a smart phone, a tabletcomputer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a portable gaming device, a portablemedia player, an e-book reader, a wearable computing device, asmartwatch, a television platform, or another type of computing device.

Computing device 200 includes one or more processors 202, one or moreuser interface components 204, one or more communication components 212,and one or more data storage components 214. User interface componentsmay include one or more of audio interface(s), visual interface(s), andtouch-based interface components, including a touch screen, display,speakers, buttons, keypad, stylus, mouse, or other mechanism that allowsa person to interact with a computing device. Communication components212 allow computing device 200 to communicate with other remote or localcomputing devices via wired and/or wireless connections.

Computing device 200 further includes an image capture or imaging device208, a code reader module 210 and a clean verification module 206. Imagecapture device 208 may include a digital camera, a scanner, a webcam, orany other type of imaging device. Code reader module 210 and cleanverification module 206 include computer readable instructionsconfigured to be executed on the one or more processors 202. Code readermodule 210 includes computer readable instructions configured to beexecuted on the one or more processors 202 to enable computing device200 to scan electronically readable code(s) using image capturecomponents 208 and to decode the data.

Clean verification module 206 includes computer readable instructionsconfigured to be executed on the one or more processors 202 to enablecomputing device 200 to carry out a cleaning process verificationprocedure. In some examples, clean verification module 206 includescomputer readable instructions configured to be executed on the one ormore processors 202 to enable computing device 200 to receive andanalyze the decoded data to determine whether a soil overlay wascompletely removed (or removed to within a specified tolerance), and todetermine whether the cleaning process “passed” or “failed” the cleaningprocess verification procedure. In other examples, clean verificationmodule 206 includes computer readable instructions configured to beexecuted on the one or more processors 202 to enable computing device200 to communicate with a remote or server computing device to sendand/or receive information associated with a clean process verificationprocedure.

Clean verification module 206 may further include instructions thatenable processors 202 to generate one or more notifications for displayon user interface 204 of computing device 200 regarding the results ofthe cleaning process verification procedure. For example, FIG. 4B showscomputing device 200 (in this example, a smart phone or tablet computer)having a touch screen display 222. Notifications 216 and 218 aredisplayed on the touch screen 222. Notification 216 indicates that acleaning process carried out on Aug. 7, 2018 using a verification couponhaving Serial No. A10456-52, received a FAIL for the correspondingcleaning process verification procedure. In other words, the soiloverlay on verification coupon having Serial No. A10456-52 was notcompletely removed. Notification 216 may include an (!) indication, forexample, to help draw a user's attention to the fact that thisparticular cleaning process failed, and that it may need to beaddressed. Notification 218 indicates that a cleaning process carriedout on Aug. 7, 2018, using a verification coupon having Serial No.D25432-40, received a PASS for the corresponding cleaning processverification procedure. In other words, the soil overlay on verificationcoupon having Serial No. D25432-40 was completely removed.

A button 220 displayed on touchscreen 222 and labeled “Scan Next Coupon”or similar may be tapped to enable a user to scan another verificationcoupon. For example, tapping of button 220 by a user may causeprocessor(s) 202 to present a code reader on touchscreen 222 ofcomputing device 200. The user may then use the displayed code reader toscan the electronically readable code of another verification coupon tovalidate the next cleaning process.

In some examples, notifications 216 and/or 218 on touch screen 222 maybe tapped to cause computing device 200 to display additionalinformation concerning that particular cleaning process verificationprocedure. For example, tapping notification 216 on touchscreen 222 maycause a more detailed report concerning the cleaning process carried outon Aug. 7, 2018, using a verification coupon having Serial No.A10456-52, and receiving a FAIL to be displayed on touchscreen 222. Themore detailed report may include information such as the date and timeof the cleaning cycle, a unique identification of the cleaning machine,a unique identification of the person running the cleaning processand/or the cleaning verification procedure, the type of articles cleanedduring the cleaning process, the types of racks or trays used during thecleaning process, the type of article being cleaned during the cleaningprocess, the types and amounts of chemical product dispensed during eachcycle of the cleaning process, the volume of water dispensed during eachcycle of the cleaning process, a “pass” or “fail” indication for thecleaning process, or other information relevant to the cleaning processor the cleaning process verification procedure. The more detailed reportmay further include information concerning the how much of the soiloverlay was removed and/or how much of the soil overlay remained. It mayfurther include information on possible reason(s) why the cleaningprocess failed (e.g., whether a hardware-related or a chemistry-relatedfailure), and/or suggested correction(s) for addressing the failure.Tapping on notification 216 on touchscreen 222 may cause processor(s)202 to generate for display a similar detailed report concerning thecleaning process carried out on Aug. 7, 2018, using a verificationcoupon having Serial No. D25432-40 and receiving a PASS.

Storage components 214 of computing device 202 include data used orgenerated by computing device 200 during execution of the cleanverification module, the code reader module, or any other functionalityof computing device 202. For example, storage components 214 include anydata received from image capture device 208, data entered by a user viauser interface components 204, or data used or generated by code readermodule 210 and/or clean verification module 206.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example verification procedure(250) by which a cleaning cycle or process may be verified using anelectronically readable cleaning process verification coupon inaccordance with the present disclosure.

A user places one or more cleaning process verification coupon(s), suchas coupon(s) 100 or 120 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and/or 2A and 2B, in thewash chamber of an automated cleaning machine (252). In some examples,the verification procedure is conducted when the cleaning machine isotherwise empty; in other words, the verification procedure is conductedwhen there are no articles to be cleaned in the wash chamber of thecleaning machine. In other examples, the verification procedure isconducted when the articles to be cleaned are present in the washchamber during the verification procedure.

The automated cleaning machine may include any type of dishwasher orwarewashing machine, including commercial dishwashers, warewashers, andsanitizers, high or low temperature machines, conveyor dishwashers,door-type dishwashers, under counter dishwashers, glass washers,pot/pan/utensil washers, etc.; any type of medical cleaning equipment,including washer/decontaminators, steam sterilizers, autoclaves,ultrasonic washers, tunnel washers, cart washers, etc.; any type oflaundry machines; and any other types of cleaning machine. It shalltherefore be understood that the disclosure is not limited with respectto the type of automated cleaning machine or the articles to be cleaned.

Once the verification coupon(s) are placed in the wash chamber of thecleaning machine, the user initiates, or runs, the selected cleaningprocess (254). When the cleaning process is complete, the user removesthe cleaning process verification coupon(s) from the wash chamber of thecleaning machine (256). As a result of the cleaning process, all or partof the soil overlay on the cleaning process verification coupon willhave been removed, and the cleaning process is verified based on theportion of the electronically readable verification code revealed by thecomplete or partial removal of the soil overlay.

To verify the cleaning process (i.e., test or confirm the efficacy ofthe cleaning process), the user may use a code reader application or acleaning verification application residing on a user computing device toscan the verification area (such as verification areas 102 or 122 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the verification coupon, and thus to scan the portion(all or part) of the electronically readable code revealed by removal ofthe soil overlay during the cleaning process (258). The user computingdevice may further scan the reference area (such as reference areas 106or 126 of FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the verification coupon, and thus scan theelectronically readable reference code (258).

The code reader application may include a webcam or mobile phone-basedcode reader application (such as a QR code or barcode readerapplication), a customized code reader application, a handheldscanner/terminal, a fixed mount code scanner, a presentation scanner, anin-counter scanner, or any other type of code reader/scanner. The codereader may further include a laser scanner, linear imager, 2D areaimager, or any other appropriate code reader/scanning technology. Thecleaning verification module/application (such as clean verificationmodule 206 of FIG. 4A) may include code reader functionality, or may usea separate code reader module (such as code reader module 210 of FIG.4A).

The code reader application or cleaning verification application maydecode (e.g., read or attempt to read) the data encoded in the portionof the electronically readable code revealed by removal of the soiloverlay during the cleaning process, and may compare the data obtainedfrom the verification code to data obtained from the reference code. Theresults of the comparison, and any associated cleaning score (such as“Pass”, “Fail”, or other levels of clean) may be displayed on the usercomputing device (such as shown in FIG. 4B), and these results may beviewed by the user (260). If the computing device was able to correctlyread the electronically readable verification code printed on theverification coupon, the clean verification application will determinethat the soil overlay was adequately removed (removed to within aspecified tolerance) and will verify the cleaning process (262). Becausethe cleaning process was verified, no corrective action is necessary,and the process is complete (264). If the cleaning verificationapplication is not able to correctly read the electronically readablecode, this means that the soil overlay was not adequately removed (notremoved to within a specified tolerance) and the cleaning process is notverified (262). Corrective action should then be taken (268) and thecleaning verification procedure repeated (268) to determine the reasonfor the failure (e.g., mechanical failure, chemistry failure, usererror, or combination of these) and/or address the cause of the failureto ensure that the cleaning machine is working properly or ensureadequate cleaning in subsequent cycles. For example, failures during acleaning cycle can be a result of improper chemical cleaning agent(s),improper chemical agent concentration(s), insufficient water pressure,poor water quality, incorrect temperatures, cycle duration, operatorerror, mechanical failure, or other factors. In some examples, theresults (260) may include one or more indications of the possiblereasons for the failure that occurred and/or suggested correctiveactions to diagnose and/or address the failure.

Although the example process (250) shown in FIG. 5 is described as amanual process in the sense that a user places the verificationcoupon(s) into the cleaning chamber of a washing machine, removes theverification coupon(s) from the cleaning machine, and initiates scanningof the verification and reference codes, it shall be understood thatsome or all of such process may be automated, and that the disclosure isnot limited in this respect. For example, an automatic verificationcoupon feeder may advance verification coupon(s) into the wash chamberand, and an image capture device may automatically capture an image ofthe verification and/or reference area(s) of the verification couponupon completion of the cleaning process. For example, the dishmachinecontroller 170 of FIG. 3 may include or interface to a code readerimaging device that automatically captures an image of the verificationand/or reference area(s) of the verification coupon upon completion ofthe cleaning process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process (280) by which acomputing device (such as computing device 200 as shown in FIGS. 4Aand/or 4B) may verify a cleaning process using an electronicallyreadable cleaning process verification coupon in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The computing device receives an image of theverification area on the cleaning process verification coupon, whichwill include an image of the portion of the verification code that wasrevealed by removal of the soil overlay during the cleaning process(282). The computing device may also receive an image of the referencearea on the cleaning process verification coupon, which will include animage of the reference code printed on the verification coupon (282).The computing device analyzes the image(s) (284) to determine whetherthe electronically readable verification code can be read; in otherwords, the computing device analyzes the image(s) to determine if thedata obtained from the verification code matches the data obtained fromthe reference code to within a specified tolerance. In some examples,the specified tolerance is expressed as a percent error correctionapplied to the verification code data to achieve a match with thereference code data. If the verification code is verified (e.g., thedata from the verification code is within the specified tolerance of thedata obtained from the reference code) (286) this means that the soiloverlay was adequately removed by the cleaning process, and thecomputing device may verify that the cleaning process “Passes” theverification procedure (288). The computing device may then generate a“Pass” indication for display on the user interface of the computingdevice (290), such as shown in FIG. 4B, for example.

If during the analysis of the image (284) the data obtained from theverification code is not within the specified tolerance of the dataobtained from the reference code (286), this means that the soil overlaywas not adequately removed by the cleaning process. The cleaning processis not verified, and will thus “Fail” the verification procedure (292).The computing device may generate a “Fail” indication for display on theuser interface of the computing device (294), such as shown in FIG. 4B,for example.

In some examples, the computing device analyzes the image (284) bycomparing the data obtained from the verification code with the dataobtained from the reference code. If the data obtained from theverification code is the same as the data obtained from the referencecode to within a specified tolerance, this means that the soil overlywas adequately removed from the verification coupon, and the cleaningprocess may be verified (e.g., the cleaning cycle will be marked as“Pass”). If the data decoded from the verification code is not the sameas the data from the reference code to within a specified tolerance,this means that the soil overlay was not entirely removed from theverification coupon, and the cleaning process cannot be verified aspassing the cleaning verification procedure (e.g., the cleaning cyclewill be marked as “Fail”).

In some examples, the specified tolerance is expressed as a percenterror correction applied to the verification code data to achieve amatch with the reference code data (that is, the minimum amount of errorcode applied for the verification code to scan correctly). In suchexamples, the computing device may analyze the image (284) and determinea minimum level of error correction at which the data obtained from theverification code matches the data obtained from the reference code.This error correction level may be correlated to a level of “clean”;i.e., a predefined amount of soil overlay removed/remaining aftercompletion of the cleaning cycle. In such examples, analysis of theimages (284) may include one or more levels of error correction. Eachlevel of error correction may be correlated to a level of clean; i.e.,the lowest level of error correction (the least amount of errorcorrection or no error correction) may be correlated to “clean” or“pass” and successively higher levels of error correction (relativelymore error correction) may be correlated to successively lower levels“clean” or one or more levels of “fail”. The amount of soil overlayremoved/remaining may be determined by a comparison of the data obtainedfrom the cleaned verification code and the data obtained from thereference code, and determining which of the multiple levels of errorcorrection must be applied to the verification code data in order forthe verification code data to match the reference code data. This levelof error correction may be correlated to a level of “clean”.

Table 1 shows an example of multiple levels of “clean” correlated tomultiple levels of error correction. The error correction levels referto the lowest amount of error correction applied to the data obtainedfrom the verification code to accurately reconstruct the data obtainedfrom the reference code. The level of error correction requiredgenerally corresponds to an amount of soil overlay remaining over(obscuring) the verification code after the cleaning process. A lowlevel of error correction means that a very small amount (or none) ofthe soil overlay remained after completion of the cleaning cycle, andthat thus almost all of the verification code was revealed by removal ofthe soil overlay, and that thus a very small amount (or none) errorcorrection was required to accurately reconstruct the data encoded onthe verification code. The more soil overlay remaining, the higher levelof error correction that may be required to ensure that the verificationcode data can be accurately reconstructed, and thus the higher the faillevel.

TABLE 1 Level of Clean Error Correction Description Pass—Clean 0-2%Clean process verified—cleaning cycle “Passes” the verificationprocedure Fail—Level 1 6-9% A relatively small amount of soil overlayremaining—the lowest “Fail” level indicating one or more issues with thecleaning cycle Fai—Level 2 12-15% A larger amount of soil overlayremaining—a higher “Fail” level indicating one or more issues with thecleaning cycle Fail—Level 3 25-30% A larger amount of soil over overlayremaining—a higher “Fail” level indicating more seriouschemical/mechanical problems with the cleaning cycle Fail—Level 4Unreadable The amount of soil overlay remaining prevents reading of theverification code—the highest “Fail” level indicating more seriouschemical/mechanical problems with the cleaning cycle

It shall be understood that the levels of clean and the correspondingamount of error correction and descriptions listed in Table 2 are forexample purposes only, and that the disclosure is not limited in thisrespect. For example, some applications may include multiple “Pass”levels, or only a single “Pass” level and a single “Fail” level. Inother examples, the error correction levels corresponding to each levelof “Pass” or “Fail” may be different. Likewise, the description of each“Pass” or “Fail” level may be different depending upon the applicationin which the clean verification procedure is implemented.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing system environment 301 thatverifies cleaning processes using electronically readable cleaningprocess verification coupons in accordance with the present disclosure.System 301 includes one or more server computing device(s) 300, aplurality of user computing devices 200A-200N, and one or morelocal/remote computing device(s) 230.

Server computing device(s) 300 may remotely receive and analyze dataassociated with one or more cleaning processes collected by computingdevice(s) 200A-200N from scan(s) of one or more verification coupons100A-100N. In this sense, server computing device(s) 300 may provide aso-called cloud-based service for verification of cleaning processestaking place at one or more locations or local environments associatedwith each of computing device(s) 200A-200N.

Server computing device(s) 300, user computing devices 200A-200N, andremote/local computing device(s) 230 communicate using one or morenetwork(s) 250. Network(s) 250 may include, for example, one or more ofa dial-up connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), the internet, a wireless or Wi-Fi network, a cell phone network,satellite communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication(NFC) and/or other means of short- or long-range electroniccommunication. The communication within network(s) 330 may be wired orwireless. Remote/local computing device(s) 230 may include, for example,one or more of a server computing device, a desktop computing device, alaptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a mobile computingdevice (such as a smart phone) a personal digital assistant, a pager, orany other type of computing device.

Each of the plurality of user computing devices 200A-200N may be used toscan a plurality of verification coupons, indicated generally byreference numerals 100A-100N, to verify a corresponding plurality ofcleaning processes. In some examples, the user computing devices200A-200N may be associated with a single enterprise, business entity orlocation. In other examples, some of the user computing devices200A-200N are associated with one enterprise, business entity orlocation, and other of the user computing devices 200A-200N areassociated with a separate, unrelated, enterprise, business entity orlocation. In a chain restaurant environment, for example, each of usercomputing devices 200A-200D may be associated with a different locationof the chain restaurant, while each of user computing devices 200A-200Dare associated with the same parent corporation or business enterprise.At the same time, user computing devices 200E-200N may be associatedwith entirely separate and unrelated locations or business entities,such as one or more different restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilitiesor other locations/business entities in which cleaning processes areverified using verification coupons as described herein.

Server computing device(s) 300 includes one or more processing unit(s)302 and one or more data storage device(s) 308. Server computingdevice(s) 300 may further include one or more user interface components304 and one or more communication interface components 306. Thecommunication interface components 306 allow server computing device(s)300 to communicate with one or more of computing device(s) 200A-200N andremote/local computing device(s) 230 via network(s) 250.

Storage device(s) 308 include a clean verification hosting module 310, aclean verification analysis module 312, enterprise/location data 316,clean verification data 318, wash cycle data 320, and reports 322.

Clean verification hosting module 310 includes computer readableinstructions configured to be executed on the one or more processors 302to enable server computing device(s) 300 to host cleaning processverification services. For example, clean verification hosting module310 may include instructions that enable server computing device 300 tocarry out one or more cleaning process verification procedures, storethe results, and communicate the results to the appropriate usercomputing device(s) 200A-200N, or to local/remote computing device(s)230.

Clean verification analysis module 312 includes computer readableinstructions configured to be executed on the one or more processors 302to enable server computing device(s) 300 to receive and analyze the datareceived from user computing devices 200A-200N to determine whether asoil overlay was removed to within a specified tolerance, and todetermine whether the associated cleaning process “passed” or “failed”the cleaning process verification procedure.

Clean verification hosting module 310 may further include instructionsthat enable processors 202 to generate one or more notifications fordisplay on user interface 204 of computing device 200 regarding theresults of the cleaning process verification procedure. For example, thenotifications 216 and 218 on touch screen display 222 in FIG. 4B may begenerated remotely by server computing device(s) 300 hosting acloud-based cleaning process verification service rather than locally byuser computing device 200.

Enterprise/location data 316 may include data concerning each enterpriseand/or location for which server computing device(s) 300 provides cleanprocess verification services. For example, enterprise/location data 316may include corporate data pertaining to an enterprise or location,location identification information, location type (e.g., restaurant,healthcare facility, etc.) types and identifiers of cleaning machines ateach location, cleaning machine rack identifiers associated with eachlocation, employee lists and identification information, dataassociating one or more computing devices (such as one or more ofcomputing devise 200A-200N) with each location or enterprise, corporateand/or location cleaning process targets and tolerances, and other datarelated to the enterprise, the location, and/or the cleaning processesat each location.

Clean verification data 318 may include image data received fromcomputing devices 200A-200N and any associated data, such as dataentered by a user at the time of the scan, date and time stampsassociated with the image data, etc. Clean verification data 318 mayfurther include data generated by clean verification hosting module 310or clean verification analysis module 312 during the course ofperforming cleaning process verification procedures. Wash cycle data 320may include data generated for a plurality of wash cycles, in which rackidentifiers are read by a tag reader associated with a cleaning machine,for example. The wash cycle data for each wash cycle may include, forexample, a location identifier, a rack identifier, a rack type, acleaning machine identifier, a date/time stamp, cycle times and lengths,water temperatures, cleaning machine settings, chemical clean productdispenser settings, times and amounts of chemical cleaning productsdispensed, and any other data relevant to a wash cycle.

Clean verification hosting module 310 may link clean verification data318 with wash cycle data 320 by comparing date/time stamps for eachclean verification procedure with date/time stamps for each wash cycle(i.e., cleaning process to be verified). For example, a cleanverification procedure may be matched with a cleaning process to beverified when the date/time stamp associated with the clean verificationprocedure is within a predetermined interval from the date/time stampassociated with the wash cycle/cleaning process. The time interval maybe determined based on, for example, the cycle time/length of theoverall cleaning process. For example, if the RFID tag on a rack is readat the time the rack is loaded into the wash chamber of a cleaningmachine, and the verification coupon is read after completion of thecleaning cycle, the predetermined time may include at least the totalcycle time for the cleaning process. In this way, the data from eachwash cycle/cleaning process stored in wash cycle data 320 may be linkedor associated with the corresponding clean verification results storedin clean verification data 318. This allows a user to view not only thewash cycle data corresponding to a particular wash cycle but also toview the results of the corresponding cleaning process verificationprocedure. The wash cycle data corresponding to each wash cycle/cleaningprocess may therefore be viewed, allowing a user to see a detailedreport of the operating conditions of the cleaning machine for eachcleaning process verification procedure. For a cleaning processreceiving a “Fail”, for example, a user may thus also view thecorresponding operating conditions of the cleaning machine, and may thushave as much information as possible to aid in identifying the reasonfor the failure (e.g., mechanical, chemical, user-error, etc.), and alsoto identify potential corrective action to address such failures.

Clean verification hosting module 310 may also include reportingfunctionality by which server computing device(s) 300 may generate oneor more reports concerning cleaning process verification data 318,enterprise/location data 316, and/or wash cycle data 320 forcommunication to and/or display by one of computing device(s) 200A-200Nor local/remote computing device(s) 230. For example, tappingnotification 216 on touchscreen 222 of FIG. 4B may cause a more detailedreport concerning the cleaning process carried out on Aug. 7, 2018,using a verification coupon having Serial No. A10456-52, and receiving aFAIL to be generated by server computing device(s) 300 for display ontouchscreen 222.

For example, the following is an example of a more detailed reportconcerning the cleaning process corresponding to verification couponSerial No. A10456-52, including the cleaning process verification dataand the associated wash cycle data.

Cleaning Cycle Overview

Date/Time Aug. 7, 2018 02:35:14 Location Store #302, St. Paul, MNVerification Coupon Serial No. A10456-52 Clean Verification Score FAILCoupon Type Food Soil 3 Machine Type Single Rack/High Temperature RackType Dishware Cycle Type Dishware Employee ID 555-5555Cleaning Cycle Details

Parameter Cycle Data Specification/T arget Error Possible Cause WashCycle Time 45 45 Dwell Time 8 8 Rinse Time 7 7 Load Time 5 5 Total CycleTime 65 65 Wash Water Temp. 128° F. 155° F. (minimum) −27° F. (too low)faulty temperature sensor faulty heating element water supply temp, toolow clogged inlet screen supply hose blocked or kinked Water 0.47gal/rack 0.47 gal/rack Consumption Sanitize/Rinse 145° F. 180° F.(minimum) −35° F. (too low) faulty temperature Water Temp sensor faultyheating element water supply temp, too low clogged inlet screen supplyhose blocked or kinked Wash Product Dishmachine DishmachineDetergent—All Detergent—All Purpose Purpose Wash Product 0.1% 0.1%Dilution Rinse Product Rinse Additive— Rinse Additive—All All PurposePurpose Rinse Product 0.0020% 0.0020% Dilution Sanitizer Product SolidSanitizer Solid Sanitizer Sanitizer Product 0.018% 0.018% Dilution

In this example, the water temperature for both the wash cycle and thesanitizing rinse cycle were too low (the wash water temperature for thecleaning cycle was 128° F. and the target water temperature was 155° F.minimum, and the sanitizing rinse water temperature for the cleaningcycle was 145° F. and the target sanitizing rinse water temperature was180° F. minimum). The reason for the failure of the cleaning cycle topass the verification procedure may therefore be because the wash cycleand sanitizing rinse water temperatures were too low. The last column ofthe detailed report includes possible reasons/causes for the failureand/or ways in which to address the failure.

As another example, one or more local/remote computing device(s) 230 mayrequest reports including data corresponding to one or more specificcleaning processes, or data concerning cleaning processes at one or morespecific location(s), cleaning machine(s), date(s), time(s), employee,cleaning score(s), etc. The data may be used to identify trends, areasfor improvement, or otherwise assist the person(s) responsible forensuring the efficacy of cleaning process to identify and addressproblems in the cleaning processes.

The report(s) may include information for one or more cleaningprocesses/cycles, and the data for each cleaning process may includeinformation such as the date and time of the cleaning process, a uniqueidentification of the cleaning machine, a unique identification of theperson running the cleaning process and/or the cleaning verificationprocedure, the type of articles cleaned during the cleaning process, thetypes of racks or trays used during the cleaning process, the type ofarticle being cleaned during the cleaning process, the types and amountsof chemical product dispensed during each cycle of the cleaning process,the volume of water dispensed during each cycle of the cleaning process,a “pass” or “fail” indication for the cleaning process, or otherinformation relevant to the cleaning process or the cleaning processverification procedure. The report(s) may further include informationconcerning the how much of the soil overlay was removed and/or how muchof the soil overlay remained. It may further include information onpossible reason(s) why the cleaning process failed (e.g., whether ahardware-related or a chemistry-related failure), and/or suggestedcorrection(s) for addressing the failure. The report(s) may also includeinformation concerning the location; the business entity/enterprise;corporate clean verification targets and tolerances; cleaning scores bylocation, region, machine type, date/time, employee, and/or cleaningchemical types; energy costs; chemical product costs; and/or any othercleaning process data collected or generated by the system or requestedby a user.

Clean verification hosting module 310 and clean verification analysismodule 312 include instructions, that when executed by processor(s) 302,enable server computing device(s) to receive Clean verification hostingmodule 310 includes computer readable instructions configured to beexecuted on the one or more processors 302 to enable server computingdevice(s) 300 to provide cleaning process verification services and, indoing so, to carry out a plurality of cleaning process verificationprocedures. In some examples, clean verification hosting module 310includes computer readable instructions configured to be executed on theone or more processors 302 to execute a process similar to the exampleprocess (280) as shown in FIG. 6 .

For example, server computing device 300 may execute hosting module 310to manage communication between server computing device(s) 300 and theone or more user computing devices 200A-200N and to execute cleaningprocess verification procedures between the user computing devices200A-200N and server computing device 300. For example, server computingdevice 300 may receive a request for a cleaning process verificationprocedure and associated image data from one or more of the computingdevice(s) 200A-200N (282). The image data from each computing device200A-200N may include an image of the verification area of averification coupon and an image of the reference area of a verificationcoupon. Server computing device(s) 300 may analyze the image data using,for example, analysis module 312 as shown in FIG. 7 (284). Analysismodule 312 may analyze the image data by decoding the data from theverification image and decoding the data from the reference image.Analysis module 312 may further compare the verification data and thereference data, and determine whether the verification data matches thereference data within a specified tolerance.

If the verification data is within the specified tolerance, the cleaningprocess may be verified (286). The cleaning process receives a “Pass”(288) and the server computing device may generate and transmit a passindication for display by the associated one of the user computingdevices 200A-200N. Alternatively, if the verification data is not withinthe specified tolerance, the cleaning process is not verified (286). Thecleaning process receives a “Fail” (292) and the server computing device300 may generate and transmit a pass indication for display by theassociated one of the user computing devices 200A-200N (294).

FIG. 8 is a photograph showing verification coupons 1-30 havingdifferent experimental soil patterns partially covering theelectronically readable codes (in this case QR codes) printed thereon.The coupons are numbered 1-30. Each coupon includes an electronicallyreadable code; in this example, the same QR code is printed on eachcoupon 1-30. An experiment was performed for purposes of determiningwhether the electronically readable codes covered by the different soilpatterns were accurately read by a code reader application on a usercomputing device.

Table 2 shows the results of the readability of the QR codes shown inFIG. 9 . Column 1 indicates the coupon number (numbers 1-30corresponding to the verification coupons shown in FIG. 8 ). Column 2indicates whether or not the corresponding QR code was correctly read bythe code reader, and column 3 indicates a Pass or Fail result of theverification procedure.

TABLE 2 QR Scanner Results QR Scanner Results: Coupon QR C ode ReadPass/Fail 1 No Fail 2 No Fail 3 No Fail 4 No Fail 5 No Fail 6 No Fail 7Yes Pass 8 No Fail 9 No Fail 10 No Fail 11 Yes Pass 12 Yes Pass 13 YesPass 14 Yes Pass IS Yes Pass 16 Yes Pass 17 Yes Pass 18 Yes Pass 19 NoFail 20 No Fail 21 No Fail 22 No Pass 23 No Fail 24 Yes Pass 25 No Fail26 No Fail 27 No Fail 28 Yes Pass 29 Yes Pass 30 No Fail

FIG. 9 is a photograph showing verification coupons 1-30 havingdifferent experimental soil patterns partially covering theelectronically readable codes (in this case a barcode) printed thereon.The coupons are numbered 1-30. Each coupon includes an electronicallyreadable barcode; in this example, the same barcode is printed on eachcoupon 1-30. An experiment was performed for purposes of determiningwhether the electronically readable codes covered by the different soilpatterns were accurately read by a code reader.

Table 3 shows the results of the readability of the barcodes shown inFIG. 10 . Column 1 indicates the coupon number (numbers 1-30corresponding to the verification coupons shown in FIG. 9 ). Column 2indicates whether or not the corresponding barcode was correctly read bythe code reader, and column 3 indicates a Pass or Fail result of theverification procedure.

TABLE 3 Barcode Scanner Results Barcode Scanner Results: Coupon BarcodeRead Pass/Fail  1 No Fail  2 No Fail  3 Yes pass  4 No Fail  5 No Fail 6 Yes Pass  7 Yes Pass  8 No Fail  9 No Fail 10 Yes Pass 11 Yes Pass 12Yes Pass 13 Yes Pass 14 Yes Pass IS Yes Pass 16 No Fail 17 Yes Pass 18No Fail 19 No Fail 20 No Fail 21 No Fail 22 No Fail 23 Yes Pass 24 YesPass 25 No Fail 26 No Fail 27 No Fail 28 Yes Pass 29 No Fail 38 Yes Pass

Although the examples presented herein are described with respect toautomated cleaning machines for medical or food preparation/processingapplications, it shall be understood that the cleaning processverification techniques described herein may be applied to a variety ofother applications. Such applications may include, for example, laundryapplications, agricultural applications, hospitality applications,and/or any other application in which cleaning, disinfecting, orsanitizing of articles may be useful.

In one or more examples, the functions described herein may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over, as one or more instructions or code, acomputer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processingunit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storagemedia, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storagemedia, or communication media including any medium that facilitatestransfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g.,according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readablemedia generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storagemedia, which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as asignal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available mediathat can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processorsto retrieve instructions, code and/or data structures for implementationof the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer programproduct may include a computer-readable medium.

By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storagemedia can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flashmemory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired programcode in the form of instructions or data structures and that can beaccessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed acomputer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmittedfrom a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable,fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), orwireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then thecoaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wirelesstechnologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in thedefinition of medium. It should be understood, however, thatcomputer-readable storage media and data storage media do not includeconnections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but areinstead directed to non-transient, tangible storage media. Disk anddisc, as used, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disksusually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce dataoptically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be includedwithin the scope of computer-readable media.

Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one ormore digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors,application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmablelogic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logiccircuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used may refer to anyof the foregoing structure or any other structure suitable forimplementation of the techniques described. In addition, in someexamples, the functionality described may be provided within dedicatedhardware and/or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fullyimplemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide varietyof devices or apparatuses, including a wireless handset, an integratedcircuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components,modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasizefunctional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosedtechniques, but do not necessarily require realization by differenthardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may becombined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection ofinteroperative hardware units, including one or more processors asdescribed above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or firmware.

It is to be recognized that depending on the example, certain acts orevents of any of the methods described herein can be performed in adifferent sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g.,not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of themethod). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events may be performedconcurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interruptprocessing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium may include anon-transitory medium. The term “non-transitory” may indicate that thestorage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal.In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data thatcan, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache).

EXAMPLES

Example 1: A verification coupon comprising a substrate including atleast one verification area; an electronically readable verificationcode including encoded verification data printed within the verificationarea; and a soil overlay covering the verification code, the soiloverlay removable by a cleaning process within an automated cleaningmachine, and wherein the verification code is at least partiallyrevealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during thecleaning process.

Example 2: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein the cleaningprocess is verified if the encoded verification data can be correctlydecoded after completion of the cleaning process.

Example 3: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein the soil overlayincludes one of a food-based soil or a medical soil.

Example 4: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein theelectronically readable code includes at least one of a Quick ResponseCode (QR Code), a Data Matrix or other two-dimensional barcode, aUniversal Product Code (UPC), an International or European ArticleNumber (EAN), an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a ShippingContainer Code (SCC), a Code-128 barcode, and a Code-39 barcode.

Example 5: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein the verificationcoupon is mounted on a wall inside a wash chamber of the automatedcleaning machine during the cleaning process.

Example 6: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein the verificationcoupon is positioned on a rack that is placed inside the wash chamberduring the cleaning process.

Example 7: The verification coupon of Example 1, wherein the substratefurther includes a reference area, and wherein the verification couponfurther comprises: an electronically readable reference code includingencoded reference data printed within the reference area, wherein theencoded reference data matches the encoded verification data; andwherein the cleaning process is verified if data decoded from an imageof the verification code after completion of the cleaning processmatches data decoded from an image of the reference code.

Example 8: The verification coupon of Example 1 wherein the cleaningprocess is verified if data decoded from the image of the verificationcode after completion of the cleaning process may be reconstructed tomatch data decoded from an image of the reference code within aspecified tolerance.

Example 9: A verification system comprising: a plurality of verificationcoupons, each verification coupon including a substrate defining atleast one verification area and having an electronically readableverification code printed within the verification area, eachverification coupon further including a soil overlay covering theverification code, and wherein verification code is at least partiallyexposed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during a cleaningprocess of an automated cleaning machine; and at least one processorconfigured to analyze an image of the verification area of at least oneof the plurality of verification coupons after completion of thecleaning process, decode the verification code from the image of theverification area, and to generate, for display on a user interface of auser computing device, a notification indicating whether or not thecleaning process has been verified based on the analysis.

Example 10: The system of Example 9 wherein the automated cleaningmachine includes a dishwasher.

Example 11: The system of Example 9 wherein the articles to be cleanedinclude food processing, eating, or preparation articles.

Example 12: The system of Example 9 wherein the automated cleaningmachine includes one of a washer/decontaminator, a steam sterilizer, anautoclave, an ultrasonic washer, a tunnel washer, or a cart washer.

Example 13: The system of Example 9 wherein the articles to be cleanedinclude at least one of a surgical instrument or a medical device.

Example 14: The system of Example 9 wherein the soil overlay includes atleast one of a food-based soil, an organic soil, or an inorganic soil.

Example 15: The system of Example 9 further comprising a servercomputing device remotely located from the user computing device, andwherein the server computing device includes the at least one processor.

Example 16: The system of Example 9 wherein the user computing deviceincludes the at least one processor.

Example 17: A method comprising running a cleaning process in anautomated cleaning machine with a verification coupon present in a washchamber of the automated cleaning machine, the verification couponincluding a verification area and having an electronically readableverification code printed within a verification area and a soil overlaycovering the verification code, and at least a portion of theverification code is revealed by removal of all or part of the soiloverlay during the cleaning process; capturing a digital image of theverification area after completion of the cleaning process; analyzingthe image of the verification area to decode the portion of theverification code revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlayduring the cleaning process; and generating, for display on a userinterface of a user computing device, a notification indicating whetheror not the cleaning process has been verified based on the analysis.

Example 18: The method of Example 17 further comprising verifying thecleaning process if data decoded from the portion of the verificationcode revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay matches datadecoded from a reference code.

Example 19: The method of Example 17 further comprising generating anotification indicating that the cleaning process passed theverification procedure if data decoded from the portion of theverification code revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlaymatches data decoded from a reference code.

Example 20: The method of Example 17 further comprising generating anotification indicating that the cleaning process failed theverification procedure if data decoded from the portion of theverification code revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlaydoes not match data decoded from a reference code.

Example 21: The method of Example 17 wherein analyzing the image of theverification area further comprises applying a first level of errorcorrection to data decoded from the portion of the verification coderevealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay; and verifyingthe cleaning process if data decoded from the portion of theverification code revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlaymatches data decoded from a reference code when the first level of errorcorrection is applied.

Example 22: The method of Example 21 further comprising generating anotification, for display on a user computing device, indicating a firstfailure level for the cleaning process if the data decoded from theportion of the verification code revealed by removal of all or part ofthe soil overlay does not match data decoded from a reference code whenthe first level of error correction is applied.

Example 23: The method of Example 22 wherein the notification includespossible reasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlay orcorrective action that may be taken to address the incomplete removal ofthe soil overlay.

Example 24: The method of Example 23 wherein possible reasons forincomplete removal of the soil overlay include at least one of amechanical failure, a chemistry failure, or a user error.

Example 25: The method of Example 22 further comprising analyzing theimage of the verification area to decode the portion of the verificationcode revealed by removal of all or part of the soil overlay during thecleaning process and obtain therefrom a serial number uniquelyidentifying the verification coupon; and determining whether theuniquely identified verification coupon has been used to verify aprevious cleaning process based on the serial number.

Example 26: The method of Example 25 further comprising generating, fordisplay on a user computing device, generating, for display on a userinterface of the user computing device, a notification indicating thatthe uniquely identified verification coupon has been used to verify theprevious cleaning process if the serial number is associated with theprevious cleaning process.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining, by one ormore processors and based on a scan of an exposed portion of anelectronically readable verification code located on a verificationcoupon that has been subjected to a cleaning process configured to atleast partially remove a soil overlay covering the electronicallyreadable verification code, whether data encoded in the electronicallyreadable verification code can be decoded; and scoring, by the one ormore processors, the cleaning process based on whether the data encodedin the electronically readable verification code can be decoded.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein scoring the cleaning process further includesscoring the cleaning process as a pass score when the data encoded inthe electronically readable verification code can be decoded.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein scoring the cleaning process further includesscoring the cleaning process as a fail score when the data encoded inthe electronically readable verification code cannot be decoded.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein scoring the cleaning process further includesquantifying an amount of the soil overlay removed by the cleaningprocess based on the data decoded from the electronically readableverification code.
 5. The method of claim 1, further includinggenerating, for display on a computing device, a notification indicativeof one of a pass score or a fail score.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the cleaning process is executed by a cleaning machine.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the soil overlay includes one of a food-basedsoil or a medical soil.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining, by the one or more processors and based on a scan of anelectronically readable reference code located on the verificationcoupon, whether data decoded from the exposed portion of theelectronically readable verification code matches data decoded from theelectronically readable reference code; and scoring, by the one or moreprocessors, the cleaning process based on whether the data decoded fromthe exposed portion of the electronically readable verification codematches the data decoded from the electronically readable referencecode.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, fordisplay on a computing device, a notification based on the scoring ofthe cleaning process, wherein the notification includes at least one ofa list of possible reasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlay ora corrective action that may be taken to address the incomplete removalof the soil overlay.
 10. A system comprising: one or more memories; andone or more processors coupled to the one or more memories andconfigured to: determine, based on a scan of an exposed portion of anelectronically readable verification code located on a verificationcoupon that has been subjected to a cleaning process configured to atleast partially remove a soil overlay covering the electronicallyreadable verification code, whether data encoded in the electronicallyreadable verification code can be decoded; and score the cleaningprocess based on whether the data encoded in the electronically readableverification code can be decoded.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein toscore the cleaning process, the one or more processors are furtherconfigured to score the cleaning process as a pass score when the dataencoded in the electronically readable verification code can be decoded.12. The system of claim 10, wherein to score the cleaning process, theone or more processors are further configured to score the cleaningprocess as a fail score when the data encoded in the electronicallyreadable verification code cannot be decoded.
 13. The system of claim10, wherein to score the cleaning process, the one or more processorsare further configured to quantify an amount of the soil overlay removedby the cleaning process based on the data decoded from theelectronically readable verification code.
 14. The system of claim 10,wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate,for display on a computing device, a notification indicative of one of apass score or a fail score.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein thecleaning process is executed by a cleaning machine.
 16. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the soil overlay includes one of a food-based soil ora medical soil.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further configured to: determine, based on a scan of anelectronically readable reference code located on the verificationcoupon, whether data decoded from the exposed portion of theelectronically readable verification code matches data decoded from theelectronically readable reference code; and score the cleaning processbased on whether the data decoded from the exposed portion of theelectronically readable verification code matches the data decoded fromthe electronically readable reference code.
 18. The system of claim 10,wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: generate,for display on a computing device, a notification based on the scoringof the cleaning process, wherein the notification includes at least oneof a list of possible reasons for incomplete removal of the soil overlayor a corrective action that may be taken to address the incompleteremoval of the soil overlay.
 19. The system of claim 10, wherein the oneor more processors are included in a user computing device, the systemfurther including: a cleaning verification application comprisinginstructions configured to be executed by the one or more processors toscore the cleaning process based on whether the data encoded in theelectronically readable verification code can be decoded.
 20. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions thatwhen executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processorsto: determine, based on a scan of an exposed portion of anelectronically readable verification code located on a verificationcoupon that has been subjected to a cleaning process configured to atleast partially remove a soil overlay covering the electronicallyreadable verification code, whether data encoded in the electronicallyreadable verification code can be decoded; and score the cleaningprocess based on whether the data encoded in the electronically readableverification code can be decoded.